Osteoporosis is a condition that makes bones brittle and fragile. It occurs when the body loses too much bone or doesn’t make enough of it. The bone becomes thin and weak, making it more susceptible to fractures.

The condition affects both men and women but is more common in women. Osteoporosis is often called the silent disease because there are usually no symptoms until a fracture occurs. However, there are some silent symptoms that you might experience if you have osteoporosis.

1. Height Loss

One of the first signs of osteoporosis is height loss. You may not notice it right away, but the condition can cause you to lose inches over time. The loss of height is due to compression fractures in the spine.

These fractures cause the vertebral body to collapse and become shorter. The loss of height can be gradual, so it’s important to track your height over time. If you notice that you’re getting shorter, consult a doctor.

2. Poor Posture

Osteoporosis can also cause poor posture. When your spine becomes weak, it can’t support your body properly. This can cause you to hunch over or slouch. You might notice that your shoulders are rounded, and your head is forward.

This can put pressure on your muscles and make it difficult to straighten your back. Poor posture can also cause back pain.

3. Back Pain

Back pain is a common symptom of osteoporosis. When the spine becomes weak, it can put pressure on nerves and cause pain. The pain can be felt in the back, neck, or other areas of the body. The pain may be dull or sharp and can be constant or intermittent.

Back pain due to osteoporosis may be worsened with physical activity or lifting heavy objects.

4. Weak Grip and Frail Fingers

Weak grip and frail fingers can be some silent symptoms of osteoporosis. As the bones in the hands and wrists become thinner and weaker, you may notice that your grip is not as strong as it used to be.

You may also find that your fingers are more fragile, and you’re more prone to hand injuries.

5. Receding Gums

Osteoporosis can affect not only the bones in the body but also the teeth. When the bones in the jaw become thin, the gums may recede. This can cause the teeth to become loose or fall out.

If you notice that your gums are receding, see a dentist for an assessment.

6. Brittle Nails

Brittle nails can be a sign of osteoporosis. As the bones in the body become thin and weak, the nails may become brittle and break easily. This can be due to a lack of calcium in the body.

Brittle nails can also be a sign of other health problems, so it’s important to consult a doctor if you have this symptom.

7. Frequent Fractures

Frequent fractures are a common symptom of osteoporosis. If you have osteoporosis, you may be more prone to bone fractures, even from a minor trauma. The bones may break easily, and it may take longer to heal than usual.

Fractures can be painful, and they can limit your mobility. If you have frequent fractures, consult a doctor.

8. Fatigue

Osteoporosis can cause fatigue. The condition can make you feel tired and weak, and you may not have the energy to do the things you used to do.

Fatigue can be caused by several factors, including pain, poor sleep, depression, and medication side effects.

9. Loss of Appetite

Loss of appetite can be another symptom of osteoporosis. When the body is not getting enough calcium, it can affect the appetite. You may find that you’re not hungry or that you’re eating less than usual.

Loss of appetite can lead to weight loss and weakness.

10. Depression

Depression is a common side effect of osteoporosis. The condition can make you feel isolated and alone, and you may feel like you can’t do the things you used to do. Depression can also affect your sleep and appetite, and it can make pain worse.

If you’re feeling depressed, talk to a doctor about treatment options.

Conclusion

Osteoporosis is a silent disease, but there are some silent symptoms you might experience if you have the condition.

Height loss, poor posture, back pain, weak grip, receding gums, brittle nails, frequent fractures, fatigue, loss of appetite, and depression can all be signs of osteoporosis. If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, consult a doctor. Early treatment can help prevent fractures and improve your quality of life.